The Quest for the Fuji Cipher (A Richard Halliburton Adventure Book 4)

by Garrett Drake

  Hisako yanked Richard’s arm, pulling him deeper into the alley with her. He struggled to keep pace, his strides reduced by the limitations from the kimono. After stumbling a couple times, he stopped and ripped the bottom of the dress to create more flexibility.

  “Better?” Hisako asked after Richard finished.

  “Much better,” he said while testing out his range of motion.

  “Good. Let’s keep moving.”

  They wound through a series of alleys before emerging onto the main street near their hotel. As they neared the entrance, she rerouted them to a cafe less than a hundred meters away. She ordered them two cups of tea and directed him to sit in the back corner of the eatery.

  “What’s going on?” Richard asked in a hushed tone.

  She glanced around at the rest of the customers, who appeared to be engaged in conversation. “You’re not being watched as closely as you think.”

  Richard furrowed his brow. “There’s a man who’s been following me around ever since I set foot in this country. Seems kind of close to me.”

  “Japan has a spy in the American consulate in Japan,” she said. “Their understanding is that your job was to deliver the cipher and that you’re not actually here on any other mission.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Yutaka will search for you, but once you get away from him, he’s going to return to Tokyo for his next assignment. They know you’ll be going straight to the embassy, and if they have reason to begin following you again, they will do it there.”

  “And you’re sure about this?”

  “I’ve been doing this long enough to know how Japanese intelligence works,” she said.

  A woman delivered a small tea pot and two mugs to their table along with tea leaves. Richard waited until she left before resuming conversation.

  “Why are the authorities after you?” he asked.

  “I was tasked with stealing the cipher from you and giving it to my contact. However, I heard that he now wants me dead.”

  “Dead? What did you do?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  Richard stirred his tea and rescued the tea leaves from the cup. “I’ve got plenty of time.”

  “Actually, you don’t—and neither do I.”

  “Our train isn’t supposed to leave until later tonight.”

  She pulled an envelope out of her purse. “That’s why I bought us two tickets for the noon train to Tokyo.”

  “So, we’ve got about an hour to get back to the train station?”

  She nodded. “That’s why we need to get moving.”

  As she stood to leave, Richard grabbed her wrist. “Be honest. Why are you helping me?”

  “My reasons aren’t completely selfless. Honestly, my chances of escaping with you are greater than without. They’re going to be searching for a woman by herself, but if we’re together, we won’t draw as much suspicion.”

  “Are you sure? We’re both fugitives.”

  “Nobody but Yutaka is trying to track you down, but all the police in the city of Nagoya are on the lookout for me. If I’m with you, I won’t be alone.”

  Richard stroked his chin as he considered his next move.

  “We need to get going,” she said as she stood.

  He didn’t budge. “If this is truly the case, why should I help you? After all, you were the one who stole the cipher from me.”

  “I was just doing my job, just like you were doing yours.”

  “Yes, but if I help you, what’s in it for me? According to you, I have nothing to worry about once I get back on that train. From the way you’re talking, Yutaka might as well be my best friend.”

  “I can prove to be valuable to you and your country. There’s obviously some reason for concern if you’re going through such much trouble to deploy agents to steal and smuggle a cipher into the consulate in Tokyo.”

  “I’m simply the messenger,” Richard said. “I have no interest in the politics of espionage. To be completely frank, I only agreed to do this so I could force my handler to make good on his promise to help connect me with a publisher.”

  “You want to be a writer?”

  “More than anything in the world.”

  “And are you writing about Japan?”

  Richard nodded. “That’s the plan.”

  “Then forget how much the consulate could use my help. If you’re going to experience the fullness of all Japan has to offer, you need someone like me, someone who knows the geography and culture, not to mention someone who can speak fluent English.”

  “I’d prefer not to be in fear for my life the entire time I’m here.”

  “I’ll become someone else,” she said. “It won’t be that difficult to do in Tokyo. They’ll never find me again.”

  Richard took a deep breath then slowly exhaled as he mulled over her offer. Agreeing to Hisako’s plan had plenty of advantages. If anything, she could help him get the most of his brief time in Japan, giving him the ability to parlay his experiences into multiple articles. The downside was also fraught with danger. If she was captured by the authorities and he was with her, it could spell doom for him as well. He weighed both sides for a moment before announcing his decision.

  “You make a compelling case,” Richard said. “And I’ve never been one to err on the side of caution.”

  “So you’ll help me?” she asked.

  Richard nodded. “Whatever you need until we get to Tokyo—then I need you to help me.”

  “Sounds like we have ourselves a deal. Now, let’s go.”

  They scurried out of the cafe and kept their heads down, Richard keeping his covered. Fifteen minutes later, they approached the train station before he realized he couldn’t leave the mail behind.

  “I have to go back,” he announced.

  “Go back where? There’s hardly any time.”

  “To the hotel. I need to get my bag and the mail pouches.”

  “We may not have enough time.”

  “I can’t leave behind my bag. It’s got all my notes.”

  Hisako growled. “Then let’s speed it up.”

  Richard spun around and shuffled toward the hotel. Hisako hustled alongside him as they approached the front door.

  “We need to stick together,” she said.

  “And I need to get out of this ridiculous dress.”

  However, as they entered the lobby, Richard looked up and saw Yutaka standing casually near the front desk, talking to one of the employees. Yutaka leaned close before handing the man some money.

  Richard grabbed Hisako and turned her in the opposite direction.

  “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “We’ve got a big problem.”

  Chapter 10

  RICHARD USHERED HISAKO down a hallway near the lobby. He checked a couple of the doors leading into the dining area before finding one that opened. Nodding toward the room, she entered and he followed closely behind.

  “What is it?” she asked. “I thought this was going to be simple. You grab your bags and we run back to the station.”

  “It was supposed to be,” Richard said. “But Yutaka was handing money to the same guy I tipped to keep quiet about me.”

  “We have a proverb for that here: If he’ll take money from you, he’ll take money from everyone else.”

  “That’s an actual proverb?”

  She snickered. “No, but like all proverbs, it’s common sense.”

  “Well, I didn’t count on Yutaka to come snooping around. I just gave the man an extra big tip so he wouldn’t announce what I did to everyone.”

  “Nothing we can do about that now,” she said as she paced around him. “However, you’re still wearing your kimono.”

  “You think I can just walk right up to that man and give him my claim ticket and he’ll fetch my bags without turning me in?”

  “What other option do you have?”

  Richard shrugged. “And if he catches me, I’ll be fine, at least accordi
ng to you.”

  “But I won’t be. So, do your best to make sure Yutaka doesn’t see or hear you.”

  “Wish me luck.”

  She shoved some money into his hand. “Just in case.”

  Richard exited the room, shuffling along the hall toward the hotel’s front desk. He kept his head covered and down as he neared the counter. Yutaka had moved a few feet away but was still scanning the lobby, his hands buried in his pants pockets.

  He didn’t look up when Richard arrived in front of the clerk. Richard slid the claims ticket in front of the hotel employee. When he returned a few seconds later, he wore a scowl on his face.

  He said something in Japanese that Richard didn’t understand. Instead of allowing the charade to continue, Richard locked eyes with the man and spoke softly and slowly in English.

  “Did you lose my bags?”

  “I’m sorry,” the employee said, his eyes widening as he recognized Richard wasn’t a woman. “I thought you were someone else and—”

  “I am someone else,” Richard replied. “I’m the guy who gave you those bags in the first place. There should be a total of three of them. And I need them all right now.”

  The man leaned forward on the counter, continuing in a hushed tone. “Someone just came here looking for you.”

  “I know,” Richard said. “That’s why I paid you to keep quiet about it. But you didn’t, did you?”

  The man shrugged. “He paid better. So, unless you’re willing to give me more—”

  Richard handed over all the money Hisako had given him. “That should be enough.”

  “Maybe,” he said.

  “That’s all I have.”

  “He gave me twice that amount.”

  “I wish I had more to give you, but I don’t have any more. I’m relying on good will the rest of my time in Japan, and it starts with you.”

  Moments later, the man spun and walked behind him. He put his shoulder into a closet door, forcing it open. When he re-emerged, had three bags. After placing them on the counter, he slapped the bell and looked at Richard.

  “Here they are,” the man said.

  Richard snatched them off the counter and strode toward the exit. However, he didn’t get far before he sensed someone standing in front of him. Richard didn’t need to look up to know who it was.

  Yutaka worked over a toothpick in his mouth as he circled around Richard.

  “I’m not sure that dress suits you,” Yutaka said.

  Richard eyed Yutaka closely before juking around him.

  “Teishi! Teishi!” Yutaka shouted.

  Richard caught a glimpse of Hisako out of the corner of his eye as he darted outside. While he didn’t waste precious time looking back to see where Yutaka was, Richard could hear the thundering footsteps drawing nearer. Richard was convinced he could outrun Yutaka under normal circumstances. But hindered by the tight kimono, Richard struggled to put much distance between him and his pursuer.

  Up ahead, he noticed a corner and dashed around it before spinning around, cocking his arms behind his head. He listened for any indication that Yutaka was about to catch up. But Yutaka never arrived.

  Richard peered around the corner to see what might have happened when he noticed Hisako straddling Yutaka, who was laid out on his back on the pavement. She had her heel on his throat.

  “No,” Richard shouted.

  Hisako paused and looked up. “I could take care of him right now.”

  “Let him go,” Richard said. “We’re running out of time.”

  Richard dashed back into the alley and furiously dug through his bag. He located an outfit before stripping down and then changing.

  “Ready?” she asked as he looked down the sidewalk to see Yutaka staggering to his feet.

  “What’d you do?” Richard asked as they broke into a sprint.

  “Gave him a taste of his own medicine,” she said.

  They didn't break stride until they arrived on the platform. Hisako presented the two tickets to the conductor and hustled on board.

  “I need to get into a different dress,” she said. “The less we look like we did ten minutes ago, the better. In fact, I suggest you change, too.”

  Richard growled but complied, donning his third shirt in the past half hour.

  “Not your style?” she asked with a chuckle.

  “I prefer something not so stuffy,” he said as he straightened the tie he’d just whipped around his collar. “Is there anything wrong with that?”

  “You’d make a terrible Japanese man.”

  “Hopefully I’d make a better Japanese man than I did a Japanese woman.”

  She shrugged. “You were just starting to perfect that shuffle while wearing your kimono.”

  Richard finished dressing and then discussed strategy with Hisako for if the police made the rounds.

  A few minutes later, there was loud rapping on their cabin door.

  “Ready?” she asked him.

  “Wish me luck,” he said.

  “Good luck,” she mouthed before turning toward the door.

  “Please open up,” the conductor said.

  * * *

  HISAKO TUGGED HER BLOUSE taut before easing up to the door. “Who is it?” she asked in Japanese.

  “The conductor.”

  She slid open the panel, revealing Yutaka standing next to the conductor.

  “He’s not here,” Hisako said. “And I’m not sure if I’ll ever see him again.”

  “Did you kill him?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing like that. He’s just quite the free spirit. He only came here to see Japan, not to cause any trouble. I’m afraid he got caught up in something that he didn’t anticipate.”

  “That doesn’t excuse his actions,” Yutaka said. “My assignment was to watch him, but now he’s broken several laws and things have changed. I need to see inside your cabin.”

  “All aboard,” an assistant conductor outside bellowed.

  The train jerked as it started to move.

  “I already told you that he’s not here,” Hisako said. “But if you must, see for yourself.”

  Yutaka pushed his way past Hisako, barely able to squeeze his portly frame past her in the tight quarters. He searched all over cabin, inspecting the closets and beneath the bed before cursing.

  “I know he was here,” Yutaka said.

  “Sometimes, we see what we want to see.”

  Yutaka sighed and then narrowed his eyes as his gaze met Hisako. “I’m only going to give you one more chance to tell me where he is.”

  “Or then what?”

  “I know the authorities are looking for you.”

  “Yet I’m not the one you’re looking for. What a shame for you.”

  Yutaka clenched both his fists and pursed his lips. “You tell me where he is right now or I’m going to take you in myself.”

  The train hissed before it started to chug forward.

  “I don’t believe you have a ticket and we’re leaving the station,” she said.

  “Makes no difference to me. Now, you tell me where Richard Halliburton is or I’m going to make your life quite miserable.”

  Hisako sat down on the bed and patted the space next to her. “Please, have a seat.”

  “Do you require my assistance anymore?” the conductor asked. “If not, I have other business to attend to.”

  Yutaka nodded. “I can handle this.”

  Once the conductor left, Yutaka slid the door shut and feigned as if he was going to sit down next to Hisako. But then he turned to face her before slamming his hand over her mouth and forcing her onto her back. Hisako squealed as she fought Yutaka. After a brief struggle, she squirmed free and scrambled to her feet on the other side of the cabin.

  “Where is he?” Yutaka said.

  “I wouldn’t advise touching me again like that.”

  “Have it your way,” he said before pulling out his knife. “You’re coming with me.”

  “You think Im g
oing to jump off a moving train with you?”

  “No, but you’re going to sit with me until we arrive in Tokyo.”

  He reached for her arm, but she pulled it away. “This isn’t a game.”

  She sighed and then spoke through a clenched jaw. “Fine. I’ll tell you where he is.”

  “Thank you,” Yutaka said, still wielding his knife.

  “Put the weapon away, please,” she said. “He’s not going to hurt you.”

  “It’s not him I’m worried about,” Yutaka said.

  Outside the streetlamps around Nagoya flickered as the train gained speed. She knew there wasn’t much time.

  “He’s outside,” she said.

  “Outside?”

  “Yes,” she said. “He climbed through the window. Let me show you.”

  Hisako walked over to the window to slide it upward. She poked her head out and gave Richard a knowing look.

  “Let me see,” Yutaka said, pulling her aside so he could see Richard for himself.

  “Well, hello, Mr. Halliburton,” Yutaka said. “It’s time you come back inside here and we have a little chat.”

  “If you insist,” Richard said. “I just need a hand.”

  Yutaka offered his hand, but instead of allowing him to provide any help, Richard yanked hard, pulling Yutaka thought he opening. Just as they had discussed in their plan, Hisako sprang into action. She shoved Yutaka in his rear end, ramming him through the tight opening in the window.

  In a flash, she and Richard were workmanlike with their push-and-pull strategy. They needed less than a minute to get Yutaka more than halfway out of the portal. After that, they only needed to nudge him, sending him plunging headlong into the shrubbery along the tracks.

  They barely had any time to celebrate their victory when Hisako cringed and shouted.

  “Richard! Look out!”

  He turned around to see a tunnel fast approaching.

  Chapter 11

  RICHARD’S HANDS DRIPPED with sweat as he swung into action. After clinging to the railing on the top of the passenger car while the train started moving, his arms were on fire. Adrenaline coursed through his body as he eyed the oncoming tunnel.